This IPL is a different ball game

Throw the IPL form book from 2008 out of the window. I have seen enough already to tell you that any reference to that tournament in India and subsequent strategy is obsolete.

Conditions are so different in South Africa this time around that teams will require a complete rethink regarding this season’s assault. In this year’s tournament there will be one golden rule to heed. When batting, wickets in hand for the last ten overs will be a match winning quality. This will permit the superior strikers to launch with relative freedom to post inflated totals.

The bowlers will have ascendancy up front and the bounce will undo many not familiar with the conditions. The experienced international players will have their work cut out educating their apprentice teammates.

Although all squads have enjoyed some preparatory net time prior to commencement, the teams that adapt abruptly to this strategic necessity can expect to be competitive for the duration.

The seaming ball which is a rarity in India coupled with the extra zip and pace on many South African surfaces will undeniably be a determining factor.

The bowlers will revel in these surroundings and will certainly feel they are no longer on a hiding to nothing as is often the case in a twenty over bash.

The weather conditions will be on the cool side and often damp throughout much of the country. That will inhibit any drying out of the surface, therefore further encouraging the seamers. If the quicks do the damage initially then that certainly assists the ever effective quality spinners during the middle overs in this format.

Should the internationally recogniz\sed opening bowlers make the expected initial inroads, the batting teams will then be playing catch up cricket. They will therefore need to utilise some additional overs to right the ship subsequently playing into the tweakers’ hands perfectly.

Another consideration must be the economy enforced seven and a half minute ‘Strategic Time Out’ that has now been implemented after ten overs in each innings. This will snipe momentum.

While the IPL has unashamedly and honestly admitted this intermission to proceedings is purely for commercial reasons, it does need adjusting to. I personally wonder if it is possible to reduce it to a five minute break so that the natural energy that so easily feeds of this style of cricket, both inside and outside the ropes, is not dramatically dissipated.

The one essential ingredient that separates this game from the rest is the frenzied fervor and excitement it exudes and that must be preserved. In its current format this lengthy pause sucks the vigor and impetus from the occasion and whilst I am the first to admit the importance of commercial partners, maybe a compromise is possible.

A shorter break will translate to an extended drinks break at the venue and provide an opportunity for all to catch their breath, rather than a clock watching exercise.

In summary, this will be an IPL that will have little reflection on the inaugural edition. So many variables have now been introduced because of the enforced venue change. Conditions will be extremely foreign to many of the participants and only those who are willing to think on their feet and acclimatise will progress.

This tournament will be an event that focuses on strategy, adaptation and preparation.

All of those attributes are not normally associated with this shortest format.